Food for Thought: Hydrate with food, too

Tuesday

Apr 18, 2017 at 2:01 AM

TIP OF THE WEEKThirsty? Reach for these hydrating foodsWhether you’re fighting the heat or battling a cold, dehydration is the enemy. But water isn’t the only answer -- plenty of foods are hydrating, too. The next time you’re feeling thirsty, reach for a snack, says the Cleveland Clinic. You’ll not only get the benefit of heavy water content, but will absorb extra nutrients, too. -- Cucumbers, celery and iceberg lettuce are 95 percent water, making them great choices. If you prefer spinach to iceberg, you’ll still benefit from hydrating greens, as spinach is 91 percent water.-- Watermelon is not only hydrating but contains lycopene, which benefits skin complexion and protects against sun damage. -- Made up of 92 percent water, cauliflower contains vitamin C, vitamin K and nutrients that may lower cholesterol. -- Zucchini is nearly 95 percent water, and comes loaded with antioxidants important for eye health. -- Strawberries offer hydration and flavonoids, which studies have found can improve cognitive function.

FOOD FUN3 record sandwiches that will leave you droolingWhether it’s a classic PB&J, ham and cheese, or turkey on whole wheat, sandwiches are a favorite for many. Here are three sandwiches that hold Guinness World Records.-- The largest sandwich weighed 5,440 pounds and was made in 2005 by Wild Woody’s Chill and Grill in Roseville, Michigan.-- The longest sandwich measured 2,411 feet, 5 inches and was created in 2011 by members of three teams in Lebanon.-- As of 2014, the most expensive sandwich commercially available is the “Quintessential Grilled Cheese,” which sells for $214 at Serendipity 3 in New York City. The sandwich is served on two pieces of French Pullman champagne bread, which is made with Dom Perignon champagne and edible gold flakes, with white truffle butter and the very rare Caciocavallo Podolico cheese. The sandwich is served with South African Lobster Tomato Bisque as a dipping sauce.

HEALTHY EATING4 natural sweeteners to tryIf you love all things sweet but want to cut out the sugar, try these natural sweeteners instead.-- Raw honey: Loaded with enzymes, antioxidants and important minerals, honey is civilization’s oldest and maybe most nutritious sweetener, says Smithsonian.com. To get the maximum benefits, buy it raw rather than pasteurized.-- Stevia: This sugar substitute is not only natural and has zero calories, but studies show that Stevia can even lower blood pressure, according to NCBI.-- Coconut sugar: As coconut water grows in popularity, more people are discovering the nutrient-rich benefits of coconut sugar.-- Maple syrup: If you’ve only been using it on pancakes and waffles, you’re missing out. Try it as salad dressing, over vegetables or drizzled over yogurt.

ALLERGIESIngredients that fight seasonal allergiesWhen we talk about food and allergies, the conversation often turns to foods that cause an allergic reaction. But many foods have been found to treat allergies as well. The next time you’re sneezing and sniffling, try these natural ingredients that WebMD says could ease your symptoms: -- Quercetin, a natural chemical that may reduce histamine reactions, is found in onions, peppers, parsley and berries. -- Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, is thought to minimize asthma irritation. -- According to Lawrence Rosen, M.D., “If you take small doses of (local) honey early in the season, you may develop a tolerance toward pollen in your area.”-- The omega-3 fats found in fish have been found to reduce instances of hay fever. -- The bacteria found in fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi and kefir may help prevent and treat seasonal allergies. -- Brandpoint